STEM Catapult Math & Engineering Activity (Angles and Ratios)
This STEM catapult challenge involves engineering, geometry, ratios, critical thinking, and teamwork in an engaging activity your students will love!
Grades: 3rd - 11th
Teaching Duration: 2 days
“Great resource! Although I have done STEM catapult projects before, I liked how this included materials and saved me time from having to create items such as reflections pages, etc. I used it with my 6th grade Social Studies class as we wrapped-up learning about Ancient Greece and Rome! It was a great STEM based project and the kids loved it!”
lesson overview
Take the classic STEM challenge to the next level with design optimization and math connections!
This STEM catapult challenge involves engineering, geometry, ratios, critical thinking, and teamwork in an engaging activity your students will love! Using the engineering design process along with math skills, teams of students will build two catapult designs from common materials. Each team will then test at three stations: Distance, Accuracy, and Power. Included are follow-up math problems for enhanced learning. One of my favorite STEM activities!
**Updated to include distance learning version with editable Google Slides for in-classroom and at-home learning.
Click here to read about the Vivify Catapult Challenge!
Find the Fall Pumpkin Chunkin’ version here!
Included in this product:
Teachers guide with links to resources and photos
Student catapult design sheet
Editable version for Google Slides, Flipgrid, and printed STEM journal
Editable Note to Parents
STEM Career Connection: Mechanical Engineering & Material Engineer
Student recording sheet for each station: accuracy, power (distance), and knocking over a tower
Math connection problems including angles, ratios, and averages, and graphing
Materials: This challenge can be completed with common materials such as craft sticks, rubber bands, ping pong balls, newspapers, cans, etc. Video links provided for instructions on building different versions.
Looking for more STEM lessons? Find the Vivify resource guide here: bit.ly/VivifyResourceGuide
